Pluto in Aquarius
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Pluto enters Aquarius on March 23, 2023. It will reside there for just three months of 2023, retrograding back into Capricorn on June 11th. In 2024, Pluto re-enters Aquarius in January, back into Capricorn in September for a final visit, then moves forward finally into Aquarius in November of 2024, and will remain there for about 20 years (see exact dates at bottom of post). Even though Pluto spends less than three months of 2023 in Aquarius, we’ll be getting a powerful sneak preview of what’s to come with Pluto here for the next two decades.
Pluto brings to the surface the dark side of the sign it occupies. It also intensifies what it touches, unleashing the properties of that sign full force, for better and worse. For the past 14 years of Pluto in Capricorn, we have seen the dark side of entrenched powers and the patriarchy. These are things associated with Capricorn. However, there have been transformative events in these areas as well. Secrets have been revealed (think #metoo), while rot of corruption and criminality has been laid bare for all to see.
Pluto times also reveal what is broken. We have seen our health system break under the weight of a pandemic. We are now confronting the realities of climate change. It is ultimately up to us as a species to take responsibility (Capricorn) for healing and mending the fractures that have been revealed (Pluto).
So what’s the good news? Pluto is not only about destruction. It is also about regeneration. To rebuild something better is possible. Under Pluto in Capricorn, there is still time to do this work. During the second half of 2023, and September - November of 2024, we will see the death rattle of outmoded structures. At the same time, we have an opportunity to birth something out of the ashes.
Throughout Pluto’s transit through Aquarius, we are likely to see innovative solutions to some of the problems that have become undeniable during Pluto in Capricorn. Aquarius is the sign of revolution, technological advances, and humanitarianism. Over the next twenty years, the time is ripe for incredible advances in technology that can help large groups of people. This cannot come a moment too soon.
However, what is required of us both individually and collectively is to choose toward the needs of the collective (Aquarius energy) at the expense of the wants of the individual. For example, as the Great Salt Lake is about to dry up, millions of people will have to cooperate in drastically reducing their water consumption. This is just one of many environmental disasters that are looming due to climate change. And if any of the damage can be repaired, it will require a massive collective effort.
What can each of us do in the face of these sweeping forces? We can play against the Pluto in Aquarius shadow by embracing the hard work of channeling the energy positively. We must work with Pluto in Aquarius consciously in our individual lives. But how?
Pluto is about owning our own shadow, and bringing to consciousness our deepest fears. Aquarius is about being authentic and unfiltered, not caring what others think. It’s time to incite your own private revolution regarding some facet of your life, while letting go of the need for approval as much as possible. If you know your chart, the house and any planets affected by Pluto as it enters Aquarius will give you a clue as to where this revolution wants to happen. When you put your efforts toward deepening your authenticity in that area, you are able to connect with your meaningful role in in the unfolding drama of the next 20 years.
Making it specific:
If you know what natal house 0 degrees Aquarius lands in for you, this is the area of life which you are invited to revolutionize. Below are some ways that Pluto entering Aquarius can manifest in the life areas ruled by that house:
Positive expressions:
coming into your power through authenticity
finding inventive new ways to release old blocks
experiencing freedom and liberation from previous burdens
Positive Example: Under Pluto entering Aquarius in your 5th house, you can heal and release creative blocks by experimenting with new ways of expression.
Negative expressions:
pointless rebellion
dissociative behavior
prioritizing head over heart (over-intellectualizing)
Shadow Example: Under Pluto entering Aquarius in the 10th house, you could quit a perfectly good job because you’re tired of your boss. But it is a move that cuts off your nose to spite your face in the long run.
If you have planets near zero degrees of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius), Pluto will be making a hard aspect to these planets. Hard aspects from Pluto invite confrontation of your fears and investigation of old wounds. There are also opportunities for healing and regeneration in the areas of life associated with the planet(s) affected.
Whether you know your chart in-depth or not, you can use these general questions for reflection:
In what areas of life do I want more freedom? And what would that look like?
Where can I get more experimental and less attached to outcomes? And what would that look like?
Where can I be a force for helpful change? (Is there a cause, a charity, or an organization that is calling my interest?)
Pluto in Aquarius, like all astrological energies, can be a force for good in our lives. It is up to us to remain aware of the shadow possibilities, and to continue to choose in alignment with our higher selves.
If you’d like to know more about how Pluto in Aquarius is affecting you, reach out to me for a Special Focus Reading on the topic.
Dates:
Pluto in Aquarius: Mar 23 - Jun 11, 2023
Pluto retrogrades back into Capricorn: Jun 11, 2023 - Jan 21, 2024
Pluto re-enters Aquarius: Jan 21, 2024
Pluto retrogrades into Capricorn (final pass): Sep 1, 2024 - Nov 19, 2024
Pluto enters Aquarius fully on Nov 19, 2024 until 2043
The last time Pluto was in Aquarius: 1778-1798
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